With so many of us struggling to make ends meet as a result of the ongoing credit crunch, juggling the finances can be a frustrating process.
Consumers are now subject to rising levels of debt on every aspect of everyday life. From the cost of food to rising petrol prices which have left some with no alternative than to cycle to work in order to save money.
And yet, many of us are still relying on our credit cards to get us through everyday life. Payments can be spread over time, but it can be a risky business if you don't keep track of your finances.
Interest-free deals on balance transfers can be handy for when you want to consolidate debt, however if you're unable to keep up the monthly repayments it could have disastrous effects on your credit rating.
So what precautions can you take in order to ensure you're not sinking further into debt?
- Try and pay more than the minimum amount each month in order to both reduce your debt and shave a little amount off the amount of interest each month.
- Be wary of how much you spend on credit cards each month - limit your use to emergency purchases only or when it isn't possible to pay by either debit card or good old-fashioned cash.
- Ensure you pay your credit card bill as soon as it arrives, late charges can be costly - especially if you're on a budget - and even though it may only be a small amount it could accumulate over time and thus lead to more debt to clear.
- Pay off portions of the balance in lump sums when possible, anything extra can come in very handy for clearing a balance quickly and can help ease the financial fears for another month at least.
- Look for cards which offer good rates on balance transfers, 0% introductory deals can be useful in the run up to holidays, but make sure you pay off the balance before the interest-free period ends, or you may find yourself in for a nasty surprise when the interest kicks in.
If you do find yourself in financial difficulty as a result of credit cards and other debts, it is advisable to speak to your credit card provider in order to find out if there'll be any assistance available should you run into difficulties.
Alternatively there are a number of charities and support groups which can offer free and confidential advice on a range of debt problems, and don't be afraid to speak to them either - for you're not alone in feeling the squeeze.
